Final answer:
The coronoid process is part of the mandible and works in conjunction with muscles that attach to the zygomatic arch to facilitate jaw movement. It is located beneath the zygomatic arch, formed by the temporal process of the zygomatic bone and the zygomatic process of the temporal bone.
Step-by-step explanation:
The coronoid process is a part of the mandible, specifically an upward projection from the anterior margin of the mandibular ramus. It plays an essential role in the mechanics of the jaw by serving as an attachment point for one of the major muscles involved in biting and chewing. This muscle, arising from the zygomatic arch, pulls the mandible upward during these actions.
The zygomatic arch itself is a bony structure on the side of the skull, which is formed by two interconnected parts: the temporal process of the zygomatic bone anteriorly and the zygomatic process of the temporal bone posteriorly. This arch provides structural integrity and facilitates the movement of the jaw by serving as an attachment point for facial muscles.
Therefore, when one refers to the coronoid process being 'tucked underneath' the zygomatic bone, it is with respect to this complex anatomical relationship where the coronoid process of the mandible and the zygomatic arch interact without physically connecting, enabling efficient movement of the jaw.